After launching the 150 PS 1.5-liter petrol
engine on the Golf earlier this year, Volkswagen has now introduced a lesser
version of the same lump. Available for
the Golf and Golf Variant, in Comfortline and Highline grades, along with the
special Sound model, prices start from € 23,725 (US$ 27,864) for the hatch, and
€ 25,775 (US$ 30,272) for the estate, in Germany, where customers can already make
a deposit.
This version of the 1.5-liter engine is said to
"impress with even quieter running and a level of pulling power even from
low speeds that facilitates fuel-efficient driving in high gears", and
makes 130 PS and 200 Nm of torque, allowing the car to reach a
top speed of 210 km/h.
The Active Cylinder Management, a system that
switches off two of the four cylinders, between 1,400 and 3,200 rpm, depending
on the load, is also offered with the new powertrain. Depending on the specification,
the average fuel consumption is between 5.0 and 4.8 l/100 km (47-49 US mpg /
56-59 UK mpg), and CO2 emissions stand at 110-116 g/km.
Offered alongside the new engine is an
'eco-coasting' feature, which cuts off the unit completely when the driver lifts
off the throttle. During this time, a lithium-ion battery provides the power
necessary for the electrical equipment, such as the headlights, windscreen
wipers, and audio system. This feature works at speeds up to 130 km/h,
and only in combination with the dual-clutch transmission.
